5 Day Scotland’s Northern Coast & Orkney

Morning: Edinburgh to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

As you head north from Edinburgh, you’ll pass iconic Scottish landmarks, including the impressive Kelpies, 30-meter-tall horse head sculptures, and the imposing Stirling Castle, perched high on a craggy hill. Crossing the ancient geological Fault Line that divides Scotland, you’ll officially enter the breathtaking Highlands. Here, the flat, fertile plains of the Lowlands gradually give way to the shimmering lochs, rugged mountain peaks, and forest-filled glens within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. A quick break in a quaint Highland town or by a scenic loch will refresh you for the next leg of your journey.

Mid-Morning: Rannoch Moor & Glencoe

Continuing north, you’ll traverse the vast, open landscapes of Rannoch Moor before arriving at Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most famous natural landmarks. Known for its dramatic, rugged slopes, this beautiful valley has been featured in numerous films and holds many fascinating stories. You’ll have time for photo stops or a short walk to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.

Afternoon: Fort William & Falls of Foyers

Next, you’ll visit Fort William, a charming Highland town nestled at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. You’ll have time for lunch and exploration, allowing you to sample local cuisine, wander the streets of the town centre, or visit a local museum to learn more about the area’s rich history. Continuing along the rugged landscapes of the Great Glen, we’ll stop for photos at the most scenic viewpoints. The journey then takes us north to a Highland gem, Falls of Foyers, where you can go for a short walk to admire this stunning waterfall, a favourite spot of the poet Robert Burns.

Early Evening: Loch Ness to Inverness

We journey along the legendary Loch Ness, whose dark, peat-stained waters hold more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined, making it the perfect hiding place for the elusive Loch Ness Monster. During our stop at Dores, a peaceful village with stunning views across Loch Ness, you might even spot the famous creature! As the day winds down, we arrive in Inverness, the vibrant Capital of the Highlands. The evening is free for you to enjoy—make sure to sample some local cuisine and take a leisurely stroll along the charming streets to the impressive Inverness Castle or the scenic River Ness islands.

Accommodation: Your overnight accommodation will be in Inverness. Please note, accommodation is not included in the price of your tour but is available to add to your booking.

Morning: East Coast Highlands & Dunrobin Castle

It’s an early start as we leave the ‘Capital of the Highlands,’ Inverness, crossing over the Black Isle and following the iconic North Coast 500 route. We’ll make a brief stop in Golspie before a short drive to Dunrobin Castle. This fairy-tale masterpiece, with its soaring spires and beautiful gardens, offers a perfect photo opportunity before we continue along the coast, passing lands once inhabited by the Picts and Vikings.

Mid-Morning: Coastal Beauty & John O’Groats

We continue along the North Sea coastline, stopping at interesting spots to admire dramatic views of cliffs, sweeping sandy beaches, and the ever-changing sea. The route winds through charming villages and small harbours, while inland the scenery transitions to vast moorlands, gentle glens, and winding rivers, offering a true taste of the Highlands. Around noon, we reach John o’ Groats, the most northerly mainland village in Scotland.

Afternoon: Ferry to Orkney & Kirkwall

After exploring the most stunning sections of the coast, we’ll get ready to board the ferry at Gills Bay. Enjoy an hour-long journey across the Pentland Firth, feeling the power of the strait’s famous tides while keeping an eye out for the distant shores of Orkney. This archipelago consists of around 70 islands, with only 20 inhabited. We arrive at St Margaret’s Hope on South Ronaldsay, a small village with a scenic harbour. After crossing the Churchill Barriers, built during WWII to protect the naval base at Scapa Flow, we’ll visit the beautifully decorated Italian Chapel before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney.

Early Evening: Free Evening in Kirkwall

Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, is a charming town steeped in history and culture, and it will be your home for the next two nights. With a free evening ahead, you can choose how to spend your time. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll to admire the magnificent Viking-era St Magnus Cathedral and wander through the town’s historic, winding streets as the evening sets in.

Accommodation: Your overnight accommodation will be in Kirkwall, Orkney. Please note, accommodation is not included in the price of your tour but is available to add to your booking.

Morning: Journey to Maeshowe & Neolithic Heartland

Today is your incredible chance to explore this archipelago’s fertile green pastures, fringed by shores of golden sands and washed by the waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. As you journey through Orkney, you’ll also visit the sites of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses some of the most significant and well-preserved prehistoric monuments in Europe.

Mid-Morning: Ancient Wonders of Orkney

Step back in time to an ancient world of mystery and wonder at Maeshowe, a massive, chambered cairn and passage tomb dating back over 5,000 years. This awe-inspiring structure is aligned with the sun, and something truly magical happens here during the winter solstice. This is also where you’ll find Viking graffiti—runes carved by Norsemen who visited the site in the 12th century. Next, visit the Ring of Brodgar, an ancient stone circle steeped in local legends and set against stunning views of the surrounding hills. As you stand among these towering stones, which date back over 4,000 years, you’ll feel a powerful connection to the past, imagining the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here.

Afternoon: Skara Brae, Stromness & Further Exploration

We continue uncovering the secrets of the ancient past at Skara Brae. As you explore this 5,000-year-old village, complete with stone-built homes, furniture, and even a hidden chamber, you’ll be transported back in time to imagine what life was like for its early inhabitants. With your appetite whetted by all this history, we head to Stromness for lunch. Enjoy fresh local seafood or other traditional dishes before strolling through its winding streets and charming harbour. In the afternoon, your driver-guide will take you to more captivating sites, such as the Kirbuster Museum, which offers a glimpse into the island’s rural past, and perhaps even a tidal island to explore.

Early Evening: Free Evening in Kirkwall

You’ll return to Kirkwall in the early evening, giving you the freedom to decide how to spend your time. Will you have dinner and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque harbour? Or will you seek out pubs and venues hosting traditional Scottish music sessions? The choice is yours to relax and enjoy the island’s evening atmosphere.

Accommodation: Your overnight accommodation will be in Kirkwall, Orkney. Please note, accommodation is not included in the price of your tour but is available to add to your booking.

Morning: Farewell Orkney & Ferry Crossing

It’s time to bid farewell to Kirkwall as we journey once again through Orkney’s rugged, windswept landscape, passing the calm, deep waters of Scapa Flow on our way to St Margaret’s Hope and the ferry terminal. Enjoy an hour-long journey across the historic, ‘Viking waters’ of the Pentland Firth. Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of whales or dolphins during your crossing!

Afternoon: North Coast 500 & Assynt Wilderness

Back on the mainland, the northern stretch of the North Coast 500 takes us through some of Scotland’s most remote and rugged landscapes, featuring dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and rolling hills. Your driver-guide will lead you to the most scenic spots along the way before reaching Smoo Cave, a vast sea cave shaped by both sea and freshwater over millennia, with a labyrinth of chambers to explore. From here, we head into the far northwest Highlands, where the wilderness of the Assynt mountains awaits. After soaking in the stunning scenery, we’ll stop to admire the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle, perched hauntingly on the shores of a loch and steeped in legends.

Early Evening: Free Evening in Ullapool

We conclude the day with a scenic drive past the iconic silhouettes of towering mountains, making our way back to Ullapool. Our route takes us through untouched moorlands and peat bogs en route to the shores of Loch Broom. Enjoy a well-deserved rest among the charming, whitewashed cottages of this delightful fishing village.

Accommodation: Your overnight accommodation will be in Ullapool. Please note, accommodation is not included in the price of your tour but is available to add to your booking.

Morning: Corrieshalloch Gorge

Today, our journey continues through the hidden gems of the Northwest Highlands. We begin by heading south to witness the dramatic 60-meter plunge of the River Droma into Corrieshalloch Gorge. You can take a short walk through a picturesque forest to admire the powerful waterfall cascading into the depths. Enjoy breathtaking views from one of the platforms or experience the thrill of crossing the suspension bridge.

Mid-Morning: Culloden Battlefield

Our adventure takes us past mountain ridges, shimmering lochs, and vast, open vistas. We’ll explore more Highland hidden gems before arriving at Culloden Battlefield, the poignant site of the tragic end of the Jacobite Rising. Walking around this eerie, flat landscape, you can reflect on the last battle fought on British soil—a place recognized by Outlander fans as a pivotal setting in the series.

Afternoon: Clava Cairns, Highland Folk Museum & Perthshire

After delving into key events in Scottish history, we head to Clava Cairns, an ancient site of ring cairns and standing stones that reportedly inspired Craigh na Dun in Outlander. Standing among these historic monuments, you’ll truly feel the weight of centuries. Our journey south offers classic Highland scenery, with photo stops and comfort breaks as we pass Cairngorms National Park. In Newtonmore, we visit the Highland Folk Museum, where you can explore 18th-century blackhouses, a working croft, and even a 1930s schoolroom. As we move on, the mountains soften into lush forests in Perthshire. You’ll take a final break in Dunkeld, so enjoy exploring the town’s magnificent cathedral and charming streets.

Early Evening: Returning to Edinburgh

It’s time to say goodbye to the Highlands as we continue south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife. Your last highlight is the view of the iconic UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge, which you can admire on your way back to Edinburgh.